Gumla: Troubled by marauding elephants, the residents of Albert Ekka block demonstrated at the block headquarters, Jari. on Friday. They raised slogan like hathi bhagao, hame suraksha do (drive away elephants, give us safety). The elephants have been damaging standing crops and houses for the past six years. Scared, several farmers have given up farming — the mainstay of their life, said Albert Ekka block Congress president Rajesh Toppo. The forest department gives compensation to the affected families after a year. How can the poor, who depend solely upon farm produce, survive so long, he asked. The protesters urged the department to take immediate measures to drive away the elephants. A herd of three elephants are reported to be moving around in the area.Lohardaga parliamentary constituency in-charge-cum-former JPCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat asked, Tuskers have continuously been wrecking havoc in this areas. What precautionary measures have the forest department taken so far?Shrinagar, Rengari, Chatakpur, and several villages in this tribal block that share borders with Chhattisgarh have been affected due to wild elephant menace. Recently, two houses were destroyed by them.We also published the following articles recentlyW Bengal experts called in to chase away elephantsA herd of 32 elephants, including calves, has been causing havoc in Bermo sub-division of Bokaro district for the past 11 days. The elephants have damaged houses, a temple, a school, and crops in the area. The divisional forest department is assessing the damage and has called in a team of experts to keep the elephants away from human habitation. The elephants have not harmed anyone but are damaging property in search of food. The incidents highlight the need for sustainable coexistence solutions between humans and wildlife.Vet shows chilli-smoke method to keep elephants awayDr Rudraditya, an elephant ecologist, is demonstrating the use of the chilli-smoke technique in Dakshina Kannada district to prevent elephant attacks. The method involves creating chilli fumes using tin and diesel, crafting dung briquettes mixed with red chillies, and constructing chilli-based fencing. Dr Rudraditya aims to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior to reduce conflicts with elephants. The forest department is undertaking awareness programs in vulnerable villages and is considering the effectiveness of this cost-effective solution. Other measures such as elephant proof trenches and solar fencing have also been implemented.

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